12/12/2006
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NEIGHBORHOOD & AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 12, 2006
Present:
Lisa Hughes
Donald Brackett
Laurel Braswell
Peggy M. Cutkomp
Josephine Carbone
Kip Corriveau
Chair
Vice Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Absent:
John Sabatier
Board Member
Also Present:
Michael Holmes
Geri Campos
Heather Latham
Housing Manager
Economic Dev. Housing Director
Housing Staff Assistant
The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
3. - Approval of Minutes - Julv 11. 2006
Member Brackett moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 11, 2006,
as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
4. - FY 2005-06 Consolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report
Economic Development & Housing Director Geri Campos reviewed the FY 2005-06
Consolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report, the basis for program monitoring and
information to Congress. The CAPER also provides information regarding the City's
assessment on three to five year goals, affordable housing, public services, public facilities,
economic development, etc. Ms. Campos said this report goes to HUD annually and reflects all
expenditures through CDBG and HOME programs. During the past fiscal year, there were a
total of 20,634 persons served. Ms. Campos said the budget versus expenditure figures
reflected on the report actually are for multiple years, as the expenditures include the remaining
balance of unused funds. She reviewed the agencies that received funding this past year and
the CRA boundaries. She said a City task force is working on a five-year action plan to address
housing and rental issues in the East Gateway area of downtown.
In response to a question, Ms. Campos said the Food Pantry was to renovate their
facility and an additional $41,250 went to The Haven, their spousal abuse center. The $37,000
on the report was reprogrammed to the Food Pantry. It was requested staff clarify information
in the CAPER regarding funds allocated to the Lighthouse Credit Corporation, RCS (Religious
Community Services) and include specifics regarding how funds are used for renovations
services citizens with special needs population, and clarify how items that were identified by the
community for the South Greenwood area have been addressed. Ms. Campos said some
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changes have taken place, such as a police substation, and a new housing subdivision is
underway. The focus has been to preserve and increase affordable housing in the area. It was
suggested that improvements such as the Ross Norton facility and the aquatic center, be
included in the CAPER to show how the needs of the community have been met. It was felt the
section pertaining to Directions for Mental Health on homelessness is vague regarding their
specific services and that part of the report should be changed. It was requested that the North
Greenwood Community Health Center's name should be changed to Willa Carson Community
Health Center in the report. In response to a question, Ms. Campos said consultants have been
hired by the Clearwater Housing Authority regarding the redevelopment of the Jasmine Courts
property. Concern was expressed about preserving affordable housing for displaced tenants,
including single mothers, Section 8 residents, etc., and the consequences to the community. It
was remarked the NAHAS would like to be made aware of non profits' and other agencies' plans
regarding affordable housing in order to give their input. Ms. Campos said HUD (Housing and
Urban Development) funding continues to diminish annually, which greatly impacts affordable
housing funding. HUD is leaning towards vouchers and finding alternatives for affordable
housing in the private market, rather than funding bricks and mortar.
Member Carbone moved that the NAHAS write a letter to staff regarding accountability
of CHA (Clearwater Housing Authority), to be forwarded to CHA, and that staff request CHA
give the NAHAS a presentation regarding their operation. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
It was remarked that the letter should include the Housing Authority's decision-making
process, indicating that the NAHAS would like to have some input prior to the Housing Authority
making decisions regarding affordable housing, and how the Housing Authority plans to move
tenants that must vacate affordable housing buildings. It was remarked that there is very little, if
any, affordable housing in Clearwater, except for elder housing. It was remarked that if there is
room for development of luxury housing in Clearwater, there should be room for affordable
housing. It was remarked that nationwide, public housing authorities are getting out of the
public housing business. There are still some low income, subsidized communities in
Clearwater.
Member Carbone moved to approve the CAPER. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
5. - FY 2007-09 Community Housina Trust Proaram
In response to a question, Housing Manager Michael Holmes said some of the
Community Housing Trust Program funds could be used for special needs citizens and low-
income housing, as well as to assist displaced citizens who need to relocate with utility and rent
deposits. He said the City's downpayment assistance program helps low-income persons with
less than perfect credit obtain lower interest mortgages. Ms. Campos said the County
recognized the housing crisis and has set aside $10 million in a trust fund to be allocated to
cities throughout the County. Cities must file an application specifying how the funds would be
used for housing assistance. The $945,000 Clearwater anticipates receiving from the fund will
be used to produce new rental housing and owner-occupied housing, preserving existing rental
properties, promote housing opportunities and providing housing services. In response to
concerns, Ms. Campos said the City is researching tightening up Code regulations for landlord
violations. Mr. Holmes said the City is working diligently to address affordable housing issues.
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. Member Cutcomp moved to approve the FY 2007-09 Community Housing Trust
Program. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
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6. - New/Old Business
Ms. Campos updated the board regarding the Nexus study regarding inclusionary
zoning, which is part of the solution to affordable housing. As information becomes available, it
will be shared with the NAHAB.
7. - Next Meetina - Februarv 13. 2007
8. - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:20 a.m.
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Chair
Neighborhood & Affordable
Housing Advisory Board
Attest:
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Staff Assistant
Neighborhood & Affordable Housing 2006-12-12
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